ART EXHIBIT. Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda (4th from left) leads Philippine officials and artists during the vernissage (private viewing before the public exhibit) of the Philippine Pavilion's 60th International Art Exhibition - La Biennale di Venezia in Artiglierie, Arsenale, Venice, Italy on Friday (April 19, 2024). The exhibition, which will run from April 20 to November 24, offers a glimpse into the multifaceted soul of Mount Banahaw and its surrounding region. (Photo courtesy of Senator Legarda’s office)
MANILA – The Philippine Pavilion's 60th International Art Exhibition-La Biennale di Venezia in Artiglierie, Arsenale, Venice, Italy was unveiled on Friday with the enduring legacy of mystical Mt. Banahaw in full display through evocative artworks.
With the theme “Sa kabila ng tabing lamang sa panahong ito / Waiting just behind the curtain of this age,” the art exhibit explores the cultural and spiritual significance of Mount Banahaw in shaping Filipino consciousness and cultural landscape.
During the exhibit’s vernissage (a private viewing before a public exhibition), Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda said the Philippine “protected natural wonder and sacred site” stands as a sanctuary for both nature and culture, nurturing diverse ecosystems and serving as a beacon for spiritual seekers and pilgrims alike.
“Its slopes bear witness to the ebb and flow of history, as it delves into the intricate relationship between mysticism and modernity, exploring the themes of tradition, faith, and resilience,” she said.
"Mount Banahaw, a majestic natural wonder located just a few hours away from the bustling city of Metro Manila, holds within its embrace not only breathtaking vistas but also a rich tapestry of cultural and spiritual heritage deeply ingrained in the Filipino consciousness."
Legarda was joined by National Commission for Culture and the Arts Chairperson and Philippine Pavilion Commissioner Victorino Manalo, Philippine Consul General of Milan Elmer Cato, and Philippine Ambassador to Italy Nathaniel Imperial in leading the vernissage.
Curated by Carlos Quijon Jr., it features the works by intermedia artist Mark Salvatus who has drawn inspiration from the culture and mythologies of Mount Banahaw and its surrounding communities.
Legarda said Salvatus's evocative artwork and Quijon's perceptive curation will encourage everyone “to explore the intricate relationship between nature, spirituality, and art.”
She urged everyone to ponder on the artworks, reflect on the people’s interconnectedness with nature, and celebrate Mount Banahaw’s enduring spirit and the boundless creativity of the Filipino people.
“From the revolutionary fervor of Hermano Puli to the vibrant rhythms of Lucban's marching bands, from the timeless traditions of pilgrimage to the contemporary expressions of local artists, the exhibition offers a glimpse into the multifaceted soul of Mount Banahaw and its surrounding region,” Legarda said.
“As we marvel at the pulchritude and complexity of the artworks on display, let us also reflect on the broader implications of our interconnectedness with the natural world. Mount Banahaw reminds us that we are not mere spectators but we are also active participants in the web of life, entrusted with the stewardship of our planet and the preservation of its sacred landscapes.”
The Philippine Pavilion will be open to the public from April 20 to November 24, 2024.
Legarda also invites the public to visit the main exhibition, "Stranieri Ovunque - Foreigners Everywhere," curated by Adriano Pedrosa and featuring the works of five Filipino artists: Pacita Abad, Anita Magsaysay-Ho, Nena Saguil, Joshua Serafin, and Maria Taniguchi. (PNA)
